September 11, 2021 - WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), a member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC), released the following statement ahead of the 20th anniversary of 9/11.

“As we mark the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, my thoughts are with all the families whose lives were forever changed by that day and its aftermath. Our nation honors the heroic first responders who ran towards danger to save others and the service members who have served and sacrificed to protect our nation from another terrorist attack. We grieve for all those who lost a loved one and for the Muslim and Sikh communities who have faced bigotry and violence because of their faith.

“I served as the Acting Mayor of the City of Los Angeles on September 11, 2001, and in the days that followed, overseeing the public response for America’s second-largest city in a time of tremendous uncertainty. I called on Angelenos to remember that diversity is our greatest strength. I was proud to see our city, our state, and our nation come together in the face of national tragedy.

“Twenty years later, a generation of young people have only known a post-9/11 world. We reflect on this anniversary as Americans face another moment of widespread grief and loss, mourning loved ones lost to the COVID-19 pandemic and extreme natural disasters. As we come together in remembering one of our nation’s darkest days, I remain hopeful that we can reclaim our sense of unity and common purpose towards a brighter future.”
Source: Senator Alex Padilla